Story: "Welcome Home" to the Hong Kong Peninsula

“Welcome Home!” said the bellhop when he delivered my luggage to my Harbor View Suite in the Hong Kong Peninsula. If only it was really my home! My sitting room had an expansive view of the busy harbor and Hong Kong Island. The sitting area of my bedroom had a corner window complete with a telescope while beyond the dressing room in the bathroom the corner bathtub also had expansive windows on the world of Hong Kong.

There is an aura in the Peninsula Hotels that goes beyond the fact that they are continually rated the best in the world. Just stepping into the marble lobby with massive pillars and the string quartet playing discretely in a balcony alcove is to enter another world. It is like the world took a deep breath, put all of the world’s problems in a bubble, and blew them away. There is only subdued conversation as people enjoy high tea on exclusive Tiffany chinaware around marble top tables while listening to classical music.

I didn’t want to leave the room – ever! I activated the “Do Not Disturb Sign” button. Later I noticed a light signaling a fax was waiting. Sure enough. The fax machine in the bottom drawer of my desk had a message indicating that they had tried to service my room but noticed the sign indicating I did not want to be disturbed. I was advised that should I need anything they were ready to serve.

For dinner I ordered a club sandwich and was glad I did when the table was rolled in complete with pink tablecloth and flowers. The sandwich had been kept toasty warm in the warming box neatly hidden under the table. The view of the harbor while dining was splendid. Nighttime came and with it the nightly laser light show.

On the desk was a little book called “N” or “Ning Memoirs.” Ah, I found a soul mate. Madame Ning, a Shanghai socialite and avid world traveler, wrote “…I am becoming bored with my existence. It has been a few weeks since I have travelled and I yearn for new excitement and the sight, sounds, and pleasures of far off lands.” The Peninsula’s Salon de Ning has recreated Madame Ning’s private residence with themed rooms recreating her favorite places such as a Swiss ski chalet, a safari tent, and, of course, the salon. The libation to have is the Ning Sling, made from Absolut Madarin, lychee liquor, passion fruit puree, orange juice, and mint leaves. I sipped it slowly while listening to the lounge singer. Madame Ning only exists in the hearts and mind of compulsive travelers, but I feel I know her well.

I know Madame Ning would love the ultra trendy Felix restaurant on the 28th floor. I am sure she would arrive at the Peninsula via the Peninsula’s Aerospatiale Squirrel helicopter and be offered glass of champagne in the China Clipper Lounge and would then, most likely, proceed to dinner at Gaddi’s Restaurant. At some point she would relax at the Espa Spa. The Peninsula may be the Grande Dame of Hong Kong hotels but no one ever called the Peninsula old or stodgy.

I dream of Madame Ning’s life but I may have enjoyed and appreciated my time at the Peninsula Hong Kong more than she would since flitting from one posh place to another is her lifestyle.

Too soon it was time to depart. One of the Peninsula’s fleet of 14 Rolls-Royces was waiting to facilitate my departure. It did lessen the depression cause by having to leave. I wanted to click my heels three times while saying, “There’s no place like home” and find myself back in Room 1915 at the Hong Kong Peninsula. But, I can’t be welcomed back if I don’t leave.

For more information check www.peninsula.com.